Top positive review

Great performing device but it’s clearly been rushed to release just like the Amazon Australia website (-that lacks decent filters/categories). No Aussie apps, no ABC iView, no Ten Play, no nothing Australian. Registered for technical call back via Amazon.com.au, Amazon UK called me back, understandably didn’t have a clue about Aussie channels/content, they transferred me to Amazon US who stated that the stick only comes with US channels...I pointed out that the UK Stick had UK App channels like BBC iPlayer, long pause, eventually found an Australian contact number. Rang the number, Australian Kindle Support, eventually advises there’s no Aussie apps at the moment. Again good device but it’s not set up for Oz at the moment.

That all said I’ve been spoilt with Amazon UK over the years. I’ll stay positive, it’s fantastic that Amazon have decided to come to Oz, what you see today will look very different in 12 months time I’m sure of it. Amazon delivery is top notch, their funded TV Series are all very strong and highly rated, the website and offers will change significantly as content increases (-seriously needs some better filtering of product categories!), and in this case well done to Amazon for not screwing the Aussie’s on price. The Fire TV Stick, while classed as Basic Edition, performs really well for current content (-Netflix, and Kodi Krypton was simple to install and runs better than my old Android box), and hopefully ABC, Ten, Freview FV etc get their current Android Apps tweaked and available in the near future.

Update 9 March 18: And for those suggesting that this is the ‘old’ model, well yes it doesn’t come with the voice control but this is the latest 1.3GHz quad-core device, the previous series was 1GHz. After a few months of operation I’m really enjoying this device, great Kodi and Netflix performance, just one star off due to lack of Aussie app support (-recognising that this is more to do with the app providers, hopefully changes as Amazon roll out Prime and more competitive services).

Top critical review

1.0 out of 5 starsDisappointed with the product - Smart Home Unfriendly

3 September 2018

I am really disappointed with this product due to the fact that it is incompatible with Alexa and my Echo devices!

As a regular customer of Amazon services, and home automation enthusiast, I felt amazed when I read in many ebooks available in the Kindle store that with the Amazon Fire Stick TV and my Echo devices I could finally enable the total control of my entertainment system through voice commands - searching/playing different series, movies, channels, and other amazing functions (reason why I bought the Fire Stick device rather than other competitor video streamers).

However, after couple minutes of conversation with the Customer Service, who friendly tried to explain me that I was wrong for expecting this capability, that the Basic Version commercialised in Australia does not support this integration, and being pushed with question technically difficult for an average person to remember in details, like why I believed that I could expect that, where I saw that 'this BASIC version' does include this capability and what version (1s, 2nd, 3rd GEN) was mentioned in the ebooks that I read regarding Alexa/Echo/Fire TV - I got the conclusion that the purchase was a bad decision.

I believe that it would be correct from Amazon to clarify that this device doesn't support this function and also review the content that is available on Kindle store, which makes you believe that with any FIRE TV DEVICE, not mentioning differences in versions such as Basic, 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation you can have the benefits of an integration with Alexa. To conclude, I am really disappointed considering my original expectations about this device.

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Purchased with the sole purpose to watch US programs. Does the job perfect with the help of VPN & Sling TV subscription. I wasn't phased that the Australian content was lacking, as I don't enjoy Aussie content anyway.

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This is brilliant. For years I have had to stream via an adopter from computer to TV. However, the Fire Stick gives me everything i've always watched and has my netflix, prime video and amazon music unlimited all in all place. There is also countless other apps but I use these three the most. Its so easy and simple.

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I did not want to write a review because there are heaps already - the Fire TV stick has been available for a long time, everyone has had their say. I just want to point out, after owning a ChromeCast as well, that there are some pros it has over the ChromeCast.

PROS1. No extra device required.- The Chromecast requires another device, whether a Google Home, tablet or a phone, to 'cast' onto the ChromeCast. Without this 3rd device, you are dead in the water.- The Fire TV Stick can be controlled with its own remote, or your TV remote. I love that I can turn the TV on, and with the same remote, choose netflix or prime video, and navigate through what shows I want.- Similar to Google Home + ChromeCAst, you can use a chosen Echo device to control the FireTV through voice.

2. Native Prime Video- Of course Amazon will give you Prime Video on Fire TV!- You will have to use workarounds to stream primevideo to your ChromeCast, like playing through browser or mirroring your device screen

CONs:1. No AU Freeview Content.- Biggest bummer for AU market is no way to get Freeview content on Prime Video (If you know a way, show me how!!)

I'm just an average user, and was only looking for a solution to smarten up my 'dumb' 1080p TV.

If this review has been helpful, please click the 'helpful' button below. Thank you!

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Really happy with this. Replaced my Apple TV with one of these. (was a 3rd Gen so no Plex app avail). Even though it is a basic version it streams Netflix, Plex, etc flawlessly and has a simple navigation with a easy remote (better than the Apple remote). Getting another for the back telly. 3 of these are cheaper than a new Apple TV.

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Being a Chromecast addict, I didn't want to buy this. The competition between Amazon and Google is ultimately a detriment to consumer choice. Having said that, I can now run Amazon Prime and Netflix without having to use my phone. Some of the included apps are good and will only get better with time. A "Live Streaming" BBC World App (as an example) would be very welcome. The ability to run Plex for media streaming from your own storage (at an additional cost) is great but what I really miss is the simple cast function that Chromecast offers where through an add-on like "Videostream" I can cast any content from my PC for free. I want a Fire Stick with Chromecast built in! However, since I can't have that I find I am using the Fire Stick more than I thought I would. I thought I would hate it. I like it a lot.

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I bought this back in July and I have found it easy and simple to use. I even bought one for my parents so they could stop trying to use their phones to cast shows and movies to Google Chromecast and they love the simplicity of it as well. It now has everything on it that we Aussies need - especially since they added STAN to the list of apps you can add a couple of months ago! I'd highly recommend this device for a cheaper way of streaming shows than upgrading your tv or buying a tv box!

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Turns any TV into a smart TV!I had a small older TV that i wanted to watch internet services on, i was thinking of doing a raspberry pi or something. For the money - this cant be beat. Came the next day, seconds to setup & get running.Image quality is SUPERB... when using this on my Samsung 4k smart TV, the image quality is BETTER watching Prime than the inbuilt software!Reception is also SUPERB, i use it downstairs where my computer used to be & i had some wiifi reception issues that needed bigger antennas.

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I'm kicking myself for not ordering this sooner. Up to now I've just been watching Prime on my phone via the app. However, as more of my family wanted to also watch shows that Amazon is bringing out, I decided to purchase the Fire Stick so we could all watch them on the TV.

I actually didn't know what to expect as far as setting it up went, but I was most definitely not expecting just to plug it in and off I go. I didn't even have to log-in as it came already registered to my account.

It also lets you watch some other popular Apps like Netflix as well which is handy. Really happy with this purchase.

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Bought this primarily for Prime Video because nothing else work. Works well with Prime Video, Netflix and other built-in apps. Physically a bit larger than Chromecast and it comes with a HDMI extender which is handy in tight space at the back of the TV. Comes with a controller which is nice because I do not have to go looking for the mobile/tablet. It includes a USB power adapter, so it must be more power-hungry compare with Chromecast. The first time I connect it to one of the USB port on the TV, it complained about insufficient power. Luckily, the second USB port on my TV has just sufficient power to drive it, so, no need to plug in the USB power adapter. Overall, it is a great product. If I decide to stop my Prime Video subscription, I can still continue to use this for Netflix.

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I love how easy this was to setup and how easy it is to use. I can now watch Prime on my TV rather than on my computer. I wasn't sure if I should purchase this as I have chromecast on 2 TV's, but I am really glad that I did. It has a great assortment of apps that you can link to and I like that I don't have to constantly cast from my phone because of the great little remote that it comes with. The only downside was that I couldn't seem to add apps, because it would be great to be able to watch some of the catch-up TV programs such as 9now or 7plus and even Foxtel now through it but that's not to say that these won't be added in the future. Apart from that I can't fault it as I have not had any issues with it and have even recommended it to a couple of people and know that one of them already has plans on purchasing. Took me a few weeks to make my decision but I am loving the direction I have chosen with Amazon, my Echo and my Fire TV stick. :)